Jolley in fine fettle despite stalemate

Att: 5,368 Rating: ★★★★★ Ref: Martin Coy 8/10

MICHAEL Jolley described a drab goalless draw as the ‘best 90-minute performance’ he has seen from his side since he arrived at Blundell Park.

The new Grimsby boss is still without a win from four games while the Mariners themselves are winless in 19 - with relegation a distinct possibility.

Town spurned a handful of fine opportunities in the first half and - try as they did – failed to break down a stubborn Stevenage side.

“That was the best 90minute performance since I’ve been at this football club and our first clean sheet in that time too – so I have to take the positives,” said Jolley.

“We created some really good chances in the first half especially and should probably have won the game.

“I don't think it is about dropping two points or a wasted opportunity at home – we'll see about that at the end of the season.

“I have faith and belief in my players to stay in this division.”

Grimsby squandered a wonderful chance to break the deadlock on 16 minutes. The visitors conceded possession cheaply and JJ Hooper sped down the righthand side before squaring for Mallik Wilks. But after turning his marker in the box and with the goal at his mercy, the striker somehow fired wide.

Soon after, Siriki Dembele’s rasping drive was brilliantly tipped over by Stevenage stopper Tom King – who was impressive throughout.

Grimsby were making all the running and, following a surging run by full-back Andrew Fox, Gary McSheffrey’s far-post effort was cleared off the line.

Stevenage grew into the game after the break and midfielder Chris Whepdale was unlucky to see his header cannon off the post after 70 minutes.

Stevenage manager Dino Maamria was pleased with a point. “It's a difficult place to come and they had the crowd right behind them,” he said.

“This was a massive game for them and it was important we didn’t lose – and we didn't so I'm pleased.

“We were resilient, we defended well and I started to see a lot of good habits from the players. In fact, there was a lot that I liked about the performance.

“We were much better in the second half and we restricted them to very little. I am really pleased with the point.”

The draw means Grimsby are now four points clear of the relegation zone but having played two games more than Chesterfield, just one place below.